The aroma of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries greeted Hiraya as she entered the dining room. The soft hum of conversation drifted from the dining room, mingling with the faint clinking of silverware against porcelain.
It was a familiar scene, one she hadn't realized how much she had missed, until now.
She walk inside as her gazed sweep over the table. At the head sat her father, Zhao Feng, a man of quite authority. To his right was her mother, Zhao Fei, graceful and posied even in her casual morning attire.
Her older brother Zhao Rowan, was already digging into a plate of dumplings, his demeanor relaxed but his sharp eyes flickering toward the door as she entered.
"Good Morning." Hiraya greeted, her voice calmed and composed.
"Ah, you're finally awake." - Zhao Feng said, his tone neutral but carrying an undercurrent of warmth.
"Come, sit down. Stella is already here."
Hiraya's gaze shifted to the far end of the table, where Stella sat, her expression as sweet as ever. She smiled brightly at Hiraya, as though they were a close siblings.
"Good morning, Jie." - Stella said, hee tone light and cheerful. "I was beginning to think you were going to sleep through breakfast."
Hiraya couldn't help but rolled her eyes in her mind. Stella acted like she didn't came and entered her room earlier. So hyprotic. Well, if that is how she is gonna play, I don't mind amusing myself.
"Well, I just needed the rest. After all, its going to be a busy year ahead." - Hiraya said lazily as she take her seat across from Stella.
Her words seemed to catch Zhao Fei's attention. Their mother's eyes softened as she turned to her daughters.
"That's right. It's your final year of high school. Are you both ready?"
"Of course, Mom." - Stella quickly said. Her tone brimming with enthusiasm.
"I've been preparing all summer. I'm confident I'll do well this year."
Hiraya lowered her eyes slightly as she hide the mirth in her eyes. If she hadnt been reborn, she might have believed Stella's sincerity. But now, she knew better than anyone else that Stella is already setting the stage. She is gonna continue to pretend as the diligent, hardworking daughter in front of their parents.
"That is good to hear." - Zhao Fei said, her smile warm.
"How about you, darling? Do you need anything?" - Zhao Fei turned and ask Hiraya, Not bothering to asked how she prepared for this year. After all, they all expected that Hiraya would do well. It was already a fact so they don't need to ask her about it.
"At the moment, no." - Hiraya said
"I will ask my secretary to transfer a million yuan to your account later. You could use it to buy what you need. If it is not enough, just tell me or your mom." Her father's voice suddenly sounded.
"Okay. Thanks dad." - Hiraya said. But deep inside, she couldn't help but want to laugh.
This also happened In her fast life, and thinking about it, she just nodded but she really didn't spend the money as she doesn't have anything that she needs t buy since her clothes, uniforms and all school supllies are already been arrange by the butler.
Hiraya glance at Stella secretly and she saw her calm face as she continue to eat but she can see her hands turning white as she grip her spoon tightly. It seems like she is angry or jealous?
Thinking about it, Hiraya lips curved as she picked the glass of milk in front of her to cover her smile. Well, Dad have her a million yuan just like that, and even told him to ask more if it was not enough, but when it comes to Stella, he didn't give anything.
So this is also one of the reason why Stella said that our parents love me more. But stella didn't realize that Dad gave me money because I didn't ask anything from them except for books and study materials, ect. Dad and Mon doesn't know what to give me so Dad just gave me money so that I could use it to buy what I like or need.
"As for you, Stella, your monthly allowance was already in your account. Remember to spend wisely." - Zhao Fei turned to stella. She knows how her youngest daughter is. She is kind and kinda naive but she have a habit of shopping often and playing with other young ladies, so she needs to remind her.
"Yes, Mom. Don't worry." - Stella said, her smile widening.
Rowan who had been silent until now, set down his chopstick as he look at Hiraya. "There will be placement exam in the first day of school for the senior year. If you manage to be first in the entire nation and is over 20 points higher than the second place, I will fulfill one of your wish. How about that?"
Hiraya look at his older brother as she said. "Sure, better not regret it."
"Ha, well, i am confident that you could top the exam but I am not sure if you could have 20points higher than the second place.haha good luck."
"I also gonna work hard with my study this year." - Stella suddenly said
"Really? That's good. If you entered the top 30 in the entire city, then I will gonna buy you the latest H bag that you've been eyeing for." - Zhao Fei said with a smile
"Really, Mom? Then I need to work hard." - Stella said excitedly
While Hiraya rolled her eyes as he saw his brother looking at her, so she only shrug a little before continue eating her breakfast.
Why I never thought Stella is so pathetic in the past life? We are in capital and the school we attended is the number one school in the country. Even if 90% of the students is from wealthy family, there still a decent students among those families and the remaining 10% is a scholarship student.
They are all well deserve smart students. And even if they are from middle or poor family, they were never been bullied just because they are poor because they know that these students are sponsored by top families and companies and when these students gradute to college, they will difiently join those company.
With those scholarship students and also other schools In Capital, Did Stella really think she could enter the top 30 in the placement exam today? It seems she forgot that she is rank 519th out of the over 10,000 third year students in capital? Ha! Is her brain okay?
Hiraya is pulled back in her thoughts as she heard her father voice.
"Have you finalized the plans for the charity gala next month?" - Zhao Feng asked his wife.
"Yes, eveything is in place. I was thinking of bringing the girls along this year. It'll be a good exposure for them." - Zhao Fei nodded
"That is a good idea. Its time for them to be formally introduce as our daughters." - Zhao Feng said, his tone approving.
Stella's eyes lit up. "I'd love to go! It sounds exciting."
Hiraya put down her spoon as she said. "Well, since its your decisions, then I'll be joining."
The charity gala would be the perfect setting to begin laying the groundwork for her plans. She would let Stella daydreamed for now.
As the meal continued, Hiraya finally noticed clearly what is happening in front of her. She saw Stella's carefully crafted innocence, the subtle manipulation in her words.
As well as her parents genuine love and her bother's quiet support.
Hiraya couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She failed to protect Mom in her past life and she wouldn't make the same mistake again. This time, she will make sure to protect her mother, her father, and even Ge.
She would make sure that they would be throughly dissapointed with Stella as she will let stella pay for eveything she had done.